Who is California Chrome?
ELMONT, N.Y. — If you listen to horsemen during the Triple Crown chase year after year, they talk as if a special racehorse becomes a champion not only because of how fast he runs, but also because of who he is.
So what makes California Chrome a special racehorse and a champion, instead of just a horse with a great backstory? Co-owner Steve Coburn, the Wilford Brimley lookalike in the 10-gallon hat, fingers the trait that all of Chrome’s handlers cite: “It’s been amazing to watch his personality develop and watch his mind develop.”
His mind? Really?
Angel Cordero Jr., the Hall of Fame jockey who won six Triple Crown races before becoming a rider’s agent, nods and says Chrome’s handlers are onto something: In a great racehorse, a beautiful mind can be a wonderful thing